Zero hours
Zero hours contracts are sometimes used by employers that require flexibility in their workforce, for example where the need for workers is unpredictable. Under a zero hours contract, the employer is not obliged to offer the worker a set number of hours. Their use has attracted controversy and in 2013 the government outlined plans to restrict the use of “exclusivity clauses” whereby workers are stopped from working for other employers.
Nearly two in five given work shifts at short notice
Research finds that the issue is more prominent among people from ethnic minorities and the low-paid.
Job losses and zero-hours contracts planned for Evans Cycles
The cycling retailer, owned by Frasers Group, expects to slash headcount and change the remaining workers' contracts.
European Commission to consult over future of gig economy
The European Commission has begun its consultation on the rights of gig economy workers whose labour is governed by digital platforms.
Uber ruling: what happens next?
The Supreme Court's decision in the Uber v Aslam case is set to have significant implications for the app-based working model. But what comes next for Uber and its workers?
Supreme Court: Uber drivers are workers
Uber loses final possible appeal against employment tribunal judgment that its drivers are entitled to workers' rights.
Amazon accused of breaking employment terms
Amazon has been accused of cancelling shifts at the last minute and 'short-changing' workers.
Employment law in limbo: Key proposals to resurrect in 2021
Many proposed employment law changes that the government has put forward in the last few years have stalled, mainly as...
An eighth forced into work amid Covid safety complaints
A poll finds many have been ordered into work when they could have easily and safely worked from home.
Damned if you do, damned if you don’t: Seasonal workers and furlough
Tour operator Tui’s decision last month not to furlough seasonal workers attracted criticism not only from its workforce, but also...
California votes to preserve Uber and Lyft drivers’ gig status
In a less commented upon US ballot, California last week voted to exempt Uber and Lyft drivers from being classified as employees.
Inquiry into ethnic minority health and social care virus risk
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has started investigating why health and social care workers from ethnic minority backgrounds are more at risk of Covid-19.
Most firms support tighter employment laws, poll finds
Almost two-thirds (64%) of businesses would support tightening employment laws to prevent worker exploitation.
This is according to a poll...
CIPD Festival of Work: Not all gig economy work is bad
Drawing narrow comparisons between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ types of work does nothing to help precarious workers, according to a panel...
Uber drivers in court over ministers’ failure to help gig workers
The High Court today hears a case brought by drivers and the IWGB over Treasury's failure to protect precarious workers during the Covid-19 crisis.
Establish ‘wage boards’ to address low-paid workers’ earnings
The government should introduce a ‘new settlement’ for low paid workers, giving them more control over the hours they work...
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